Cruising in the Seychelles (Garden of Eden)

Days

8

Price from

1845GBP

If you’ve been dreaming of an exotic Seychelles escape, then you’ve come to the right place

Travelling aboard a comfortable small ship, discover the beautiful islands, coves and beaches of this tropical archipelago. Sitting off the east coast of Africa in the middle of the Indian Ocean, this group of islands is the poster image for paradise. The ideal of white sand beaches and brilliantly blue seas is perfected here, and this 9-day small ship cruising adventure is the best way to experience it. Board the twin-hulled Pegasus and enjoy magnificent sea views from the deck, relax with new friends in the comfortable lounge and savour delicious fresh food at the al fresco restaurant or spacious indoor dining room. Cruise to islands both inhabited and uninhabited, walk through mangrove forests that house giant tortoises, explore World Heritage nature reserves, and relax on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Explore centuries-old rainforests, take advantage of the boat’s kayak and snorkelling equipment, swim in picture-perfect settings, and visit quaint island communities. This cruising adventure is the best way to experience the Seychelles.

Cruising in the Seychelles (Garden of Eden)

If you’ve been dreaming of an exotic Seychelles escape, then you’ve come to the right place

Travelling aboard a comfortable small ship, discover the beautiful islands, coves and beaches of this tropical archipelago. Sitting off the east coast of Africa in the middle of the Indian Ocean, this group of islands is the poster image for paradise. The ideal of white sand beaches and brilliantly blue seas is perfected here, and this 9-day small ship cruising adventure is the best way to experience it. Board the twin-hulled Pegasus and enjoy magnificent sea views from the deck, relax with new friends in the comfortable lounge and savour delicious fresh food at the al fresco restaurant or spacious indoor dining room. Cruise to islands both inhabited and uninhabited, walk through mangrove forests that house giant tortoises, explore World Heritage nature reserves, and relax on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Explore centuries-old rainforests, take advantage of the boat’s kayak and snorkelling equipment, swim in picture-perfect settings, and visit quaint island communities. This cruising adventure is the best way to experience the Seychelles.

Why you'll love this trip

It’s no exaggeration to say the beaches here are some of the most beautiful in the world. Our small ship allows us to drop anchor beside uninhabited islands and swim in bays the big cruise liners can’t reach.

We’ll make a stop at the stunning Anse Source D’Argent on La Dique – it’s consistently rated as one of the best beaches in the world.

You’ll be accompanied by a fully qualified, on-board naturalist. They’ll lead you on shore excursions through mangrove forests and World Heritage reserves.

While bigger cruise liners have to moor out at sea and commute into shore via tender, we’ll drop anchor in the middle of port towns like Mahe, and La Digue. You can hop on or off the boat as you please.

The Seychelles are mainly known for their resorts, but this trip visits far-flung islands like Aride and St Pierre. Short distances between the islands also mean less time cruisng, usually for no more than 3-4 hours at a stretch.

Your boat comes fully equipped with kayaks and snorkelling equipment to take advantage of the crystal clear waters.

Is this trip right for you?

This is a small ship adventure cruise, which means you’ll be sailing on a yacht with between 30 – 50 other people. The boat is spacious and comfortable, but it focuses more on the destination than on-board activities. Instead of a pool, we have the sea itself. Instead of a casino, we’ve got board games and a good book. There’s also no formal dress code to worry about. Wifi is available for a small charge.

Our ship moves under engine power, rather than sailing, so all cabins will experience light engine noise when the ship is moving (and occasionally when we drop anchor). It’s probably worth packing earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.

Onshore activities and excursions will involve a bit of walking. You’ll be visiting a lot of National Parks, and you may have to cross uneven ground, sometimes in slippery conditions.

If you’re concerned about seasickness, there are seasickness tablets on-board. The ship will experience some roll and pitch in choppy conditions, however all of our ships come equipped with stabilisers to minimise movement. Most of our departures run in peak season, when the seas are calmer. Your crew do all they can to minimise any discomfort.

There are no lifts (elevators) on-board our ships, so you’ll have to navigate a few steep flights of stairs on-board. Handrails are always available.

Gallery

Boats

Pegasus

Itinerary

Embarkation will take place between 15:00 to 16:00 pm. After the welcome cocktail and safety drill, we leave Port Victoria and sail to nearby St Anne for a refreshing swim stop off the ship. Overnight at anchor near St Anne and enjoy a welcome dinner.

Accommodation

M/Y Pegasus (1 night)

Meals Included

We leave St Anne Island early in the morning to reach Curieuse. This morning we visit this uninhabited island for an included walking excursion with a park guide. Lying about one mile to the north-east of Praslin, this island of about 2 miles long, was first given the name Ile Rouge on account of its red earth. As part of the Marine Park the island is strictly protected and only a few families live here. Like Praslin, Curieuse is home to the Coco-de-Mer palm. The island has a wild population of about 250 Giant Tortoises, brought over from Aldabra in the 1980s and a breeding scheme has been in place there for several years. Curieuse was once a leper colony, and the ruins of the houses can still be seen. There is also a large, restored colonial villa, known as the Doctor’s House, where the island doctor lived in the 1870s. Nature trails wind their way across the island, notably through the extensive swamps, home to eight different species of mangrove.
Later we return to the beach for a BBQ under the trees. In the afternoon you can enjoy the beach and sea activities. Overnight at anchor in Curieuse.

Accommodation

M/Y Pegasus (1 night)

Included Activities

Curieuse Walking Tour

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Special Information

In the morning we sail for Cousin Island for an included excursion. Cousin Island is a granitic island covering 27 hectares and lies approximately 2km from Praslin island. It became the world’s first internationally owned-reserve when it was purchased in 1968 by the International Council for the Protection of Birds (ICBP), now Birdlife International. The objective was to save the last remaining population of the Seychelles warblers.
First made into a Nature Reserve in 1968 it was afforded further protection when it was designated a Special Reserve in 1974. It is not only significant for sea birds and endemic land birds but is also the most important breeding site for Hawksbill turtles in the Western Indian Ocean. The reserve is managed solely by local staff and benefits local communities on the neighboring Praslin island through eco-tourism. Today, Cousin is managed by Nature Seychelles. Conservation activities include monitoring of the island's biodiversity, research, re-introduction of endangered species such as the Seychelles Magpie Robin.
Later in the afternoon we reach Anse Lazio, Praslin, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Time for water sports and snorkelling. Evening at anchor.

Accommodation

M/Y Pegasus (1 night)

Included Activities

Cousin Island Walking Tour

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Special Information

Cousin Island has a lot of mosquitos. It is recommended to have a light long sleeve shirt and pants for this day as well as strong mosquito repellent.

Landing on Cousin island is by a local boat and will be a wet beach landing.

In the morning we leave for Aride. A visit to Aride Island is an essential part of the itinerary for any visitor to Seychelles to discover what the islands were like 250 years ago before human settlement. Aride is the northernmost island of the granitic Seychelles and is 1.6 km long and 0.6 km wide. Aride hosts one of the most important seabird populations in the Indian Ocean with more breeding species than any other island in Seychelles. Eighteen species of native birds (including five only found in Seychelles) breed on Aride including Audubon's shearwater and the Seychelles warbler. It is also home to the Wright's gardenia which is found nowhere else on earth. The island is managed as a nature reserve by the Island Conservation Society of Seychelles and the only human inhabitants are the reserve's staff, including the Island Manager, Conservation Officer and rangers.
Aride Island hosts thousands of breeding seabirds each year, especially during the southeast monsoon and land birds that breed year round. Aride is also an island where native plants find fertile soil for growth. Because of this, it plays a very important role in the conservation of Seychelles wildlife both terrestrial and marine (with a 200m of protected area from the coastline).
At noon we sail for St Pierre Island arriving just after lunch in time for a 3 hour snorkelling and swimming stop. At sunset, we leave St Pierre to sail into Baie St Anne, Praslin. Overnight at dock and a Creole themed night.

Accommodation

M/Y Pegasus (1 night)

Included Activities

Aride Island Walking tour

Meals Included

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Special Information

At certain times of the year, Aride landing experiences very rough seas and landing here may not be possible. Alternative activities will be offered if necessary.

Landing on Aride island is via a zodiac operated by National Park staff. This is a surf landing and it is very likely that you will get wet.

This morning, we offer an optional excursion to Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve, via the main mountain pass. A scenic coastal drive through picturesque fishing villages and dense forest of contrasting shades of green. On arrival at Vallee de Mai, we start our guided tour. Discover the mystical World Heritage Site famous for its Coco de Mer – the largest seed in the plant kingdom. Capture the Cathedral feel of this primeval forest with its gigantic palms, a truly uplifting experience. Watch for the Black Parrot, one of the rarest birds in the world and listen to its high pitched whistle. Depart Vallee de Mai for Cote d’ Or Beach – voted on several occasions as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, where you will have time for swim and a refreshing soft drink.
Rejoin the boat for an afternoon sailing to the uninhabited island of Felicite or Grand Souer for snorkelling, swimming and optional dive excursion. Evening sailing to La Digue where we will anchor in the port overnight.

Accommodation

M/Y Pegasus (1 night)

Optional Activities

Praslin 1/2 day tour - EUR80

Meals Included

This morning, take a half day optional excursion in La Digue, the most photographed and quaint community in the Seychelles. After disembarking by zodiac, this excursion will take us by bus to the Veuve Nature Reserve and through Union Plantation to l’ Anse Source d’ Argent beach. Arrive at L’ Union Estate and tour the copra kiln, a traditional coconut oil mill and the colonial plantation house. Time at Anse Source D’ Argent one of the most magnificent beaches in the world. Marvel at some of Seychelles' most impressive rock formations, whilst enjoying a refreshment. Time for hunting souvenirs at La Passe, the islands main village, before returning to the ship.
In the late afternoon, we set sail for Moyenne island, opposite Mahe where we will spend the night at anchor.

Accommodation

M/Y Pegasus (1 night)

Optional Activities

La Digue 1/2 day tour - EUR80

Meals Included

Take a short, included guided tour around the island before there is time for swim and a beach BBQ. This is the last opportunity for snorkelling and swimming before the end of the trip.
We leave Moyenne island for Mahe’s Victoria port in the afternoon arriving late at the Inter Island Quay. Enjoy the Captain’s farewell dinner with live music and dancing. Overnight in Mahe.

Accommodation

Meals Included

Disembarkation takes place after breakfast between 9.00 and 10.00am. Make your way to the airport for you onward flights or stay on and enjoy one of the amazing resorts of the Seychelles.

Meals Included

Breakfast

Inclusions

Meals

7 breakfasts,
6 lunches,
7 dinners

Transport

Small Cruise Ship

Accommodation

Small Cruise Ship 7 nights

Included activities

Curieuse Walking Tour

Cousin Island Walking Tour

Aride Island Walking tour

Meals

7 breakfasts,
6 lunches,
7 dinners

Transport

Small Cruise Ship

Accommodation

Small Cruise Ship 7 nights

Included Activities

Curieuse Walking Tour

Cousin Island Walking Tour

Aride Island Walking tour

Days

8

Price from

1845GBP

If you’ve been dreaming of an exotic Seychelles escape, then you’ve come to the right place

Travelling aboard a comfortable small ship, discover the beautiful islands, coves and beaches of this tropical archipelago. Sitting off the east coast of Africa in the middle of the Indian Ocean, this group of islands is the poster image for paradise. The ideal of white sand beaches and brilliantly blue seas is perfected here, and this 9-day small ship cruising adventure is the best way to experience it. Board the twin-hulled Pegasus and enjoy magnificent sea views from the deck, relax with new friends in the comfortable lounge and savour delicious fresh food at the al fresco restaurant or spacious indoor dining room. Cruise to islands both inhabited and uninhabited, walk through mangrove forests that house giant tortoises, explore World Heritage nature reserves, and relax on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Explore centuries-old rainforests, take advantage of the boat’s kayak and snorkelling equipment, swim in picture-perfect settings, and visit quaint island communities. This cruising adventure is the best way to experience the Seychelles.

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Important notes

Your voyage is operated by our partner company, Variety Cruises.
SHORE EXCURSIONS
On this itinerary, shore excursions are optional and are paid on board the ship in Euro’s. The price and a description of these excursions are listed in the day to day itinerary.
2018 departures - Please note that the excursions and excursion prices for 2018 departures are yet to be confirmed and may change.
BOOKING CONDITIONS
Adventure Cruising trips have a deposit of A$600 per person (different amounts apply in other currencies) and the balance is due 90 days before departure.
If a booking is cancelled 90 days or more before departure - the cancellation fee is the full loss of the deposit paid.
If a booking is cancelled between 89 and 31 days before departure - the cancellation fee is 50% of the total booking cost, or the deposit, whichever is greater.
if a booking is cancelled 30 days or less prior to departure - the cancellation fee is 100% of the total price of the voyage.
Other fees may apply for air tickets and other arrangements booked in conjunction with a voyage.
SINGLE TRAVELLERS
It is not possible to share with a stranger on a Variety Cruises voyage and single travellers must pay the Single Occupancy rate.
MINIMUM AGE
Children from the age of 7 can be accommodated on these voyages. Each boat has one cabin category that will accommodate a 3rd person allowing for triple sharing. Any child under the age of 18 must share with an adult.

Essential trip information

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